Coca-Cola aids Cyclone Freddy survivors in Malawi, Mozambique
The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has donated $200 000 (about K207 million) to Care International to support efforts to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique.
The emergency relief funding complements efforts of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), which has contributed $64 000 (about K66 million) in emergency relief supplies to the affected communities in the two countries.
TCCF president Saadia Madsbjerg is quoted in the statement as having said that they remain committed to making a difference in communities, particularly during disasters.
She said: “By leveraging the expertise and generosity of our partners and key stakeholders, we are working together to protect the lives and livelihoods of those who have been impacted by this unfortunate event.
“The devastation left by Cyclone Freddy has created an urgent need for aid in the affected areas and we are honored to contribute to efforts that address the pressing needs.”
In Mozambique, CCBA general manager Duncan Wyness is quoted in the statement as having said that they are proud of the company’s employees who responded to the needs of the communities.
“We are passionate about making a difference in the communities where we live and work and in times like these, we feel this commitment even more deeply,” he said.
Seutloadi Thaanyane, CCBA Malawi general manager said the support will help communities to get back on their feet.
“Our vision is to refresh Africa every day and make the continent a better place for all and this is the time to show how we put that into practice,” he said.
The statement said Care International will distribute cholera and hygiene kits in the districts of Govuro, Mabote and Inhassoro in Mozambique’s Northern Inhambane Province where access to potable water is limited and the risk of cholera infection is on the rise.
The kits include materials for surface disinfection, water purification tablets and oral rehydration solution and the intervention has reached over 2 200 households in need of support.
In Malawi, the statement said Care International will support the efforts to mitigate the imminent food crises affecting residents in Machinga District, particularly in traditional authorities Mchinguza and Mlomba.
This will be implemented through cash transfers to 2 500 households living in evacuation camps.
The cash transfers will go towards food needs and about 20 000 “critically impacted people” in the two countries will receive support from this intervention.
In Mozambique, CCBA will donate rice, maize, beans, sugar, cooking oil, bottled water, mosquito nets and water filters while in Malawi, CCBA will donate drinking water, food, blankets and shelter supplies.
